Visitors impressed with new RTC

The Rome Tennis Center at Berry College gets favorable reviews after its first tournament.

‘We’ve been to a few tennis facilities this size, but this one competes with them all, no question. This amount of courts prevents matches (from) running behind schedule, and that’s tremendous. Everything is easier for anyone competing.’

The first reactions from some of the first people to see the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College were overall positive.

The 60-court center off the Armuchee Connector is scheduled to hold a grand opening today. But a junior tournament held two weeks ago gave many players a sneak peak. those who couldn’t travel. With a central location, parents know that the coaches and chaperones always have their children under supervision.

Montse Mota, initially of Spain but now from Atlanta, also said it’s great to have all the courts in one spot. It helps everyone keep their focus on the game and not have to worry about directions to different courts around town.

She also commented on the beauty of the facility.

“I think it’s really pretty,” Mota said, adding she can’t wait for the shade trees to grow taller.

Chattanooga resident Alex Hunter was at the center to watch his daughter, Drew Hunter, play in the tournament. He said he has been hoping for a center like Rome’s to be built in Chattanooga, adding that Rome should be very proud of its facility.

“We’ve been to a few tennis facilities this size, but this one competes with them all, no question,” said Steve Lorino, the father of 18-year-old tennis player Jacob Lorino. “This amount of courts prevents matches (from) running behind schedule, and that’s tremendous. Everything is easier for anyone competing.” Steve Lorino father of an 18-year-old player

courts, three center courts for tournament and collegiate play, and one exhibition court, the release continued.

The facility, which cost approximately $11.9 million, was funded by the 2013 special purpose, local option sales tax.

Some of that money went to a clubhouse located near the top of the site.

“We are excited to invite the community to showcase this beautiful facility funded by SPLOST dollars,” said Tom Daglis, executive director of the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.

“We hope everyone can join us for the festivities to truly see how the tennis center will not only be a place for tournaments, but a place for our local tennis players and families to enjoy daily,” Daglis concluded in the release. Tom Daglis